Do you know how to identify an abandoned vehicle?

Before you report an abandoned vehicle please collect as much information as possible. The Isle of Wight Council often experiences over-reporting of vehicles – many of which are not actually abandoned and therefore we do not have the power to remove them. However, once reported they must be investigated. This takes up a lot of time and often distracts from removing those vehicles that actually are abandoned. Before you contact us, check to see if you think the vehicle really is abandoned. The following points should help you make a judgement.

Is the vehicle taxed i.e. no tax disc present at all or past the expiry date? (This should not be the sole consideration, but should be taken into account with the other points below).

Are any of the tyres flat or have any of the wheels been removed?

Is there litter or detritus (weeds / leaves) under the vehicle, indicating that it has not moved for some time?

Is the windscreen or any of the windows broken?

Is there any mould on either the inside or outside of the vehicle?

Does the vehicle contain items of waste e.g. tyres, old newspapers, general rubbish?

Does the vehicle have number plates?

Has the vehicle been “hot-wired” i.e. driven without keys by connecting ignition wires together? (If it has, there will probably be wires hanging from the dashboard).

Has the vehicle been vandalised? Exterior vandalism might include dents in bodywork, graffiti, bumpers / spoilers being removed: interior vandalism might include radio being stolen, seat covers being slashed, etc.

Has a vehicle that you and your neighbours have never seen before suddenly appeared in your road and no one is claiming ownership?

There is no legal definition of “abandoned”. Local authority officers have the freedom to use their discretion when making a decision on abandonment.

A vehicle should not be considered abandoned solely on the grounds that it is not displaying a valid tax disc. Untaxed cars that are not abandoned should be reported to the DVLA on their free phone number 08000 325 202.

Page last updated on: 24/11/2005